New Tourist Attraction Ideas for Atlanta Area (Stone Mountain, Auburn: house, casino)

[Psykomonkee]

Does anyone have any ideas for great tourist attractions to bring new money to the Atlanta area?

I already know that some of you are not thrilled about tourist. And that "Atlanta isn't supposed to be a tourist city, it's a nice place to live..." Yeah, yeah. We know. So please just keep your comments to yourself if those are your sentiments.

This thread is for those that feel Atlanta needs more tourism. A strong tourism industry brings in more money from outside sources, which means new money to circulate within our Atlanta area communities. Which means better life for us.

[atlantagreg30127]

With the current economy it's doubtful any money would be spend on tourism.

But, one of the things Atlanta gets criticized the most for is a lack of water. I'm not saying they should exactly try to duplicate it, but, they could in theory come up with a small "artificial river" downtown lined with restaurants, similar to the River Walk in San Antonio, on a smaller scale. It's certainly a better thought than Underground these days, but until they get a handle on the panhandling issues downtown, nothing will do well.

In the suburbs, they just need better advertising. Most people don't know about places like the Kangaroo refuge, or Dahlonega, etc. There needs to be one central web site (and kiosks in-town) that highlight ALL attractions throughout the City AND metro area, for tourists.

[johnatl]

^You really need to knock it off - it's getting real old.

We are in line for the National Health Museum somewhere around Olympic Park. I understand that fundraising is gearing up.

I agree with Greg that some sort of water oriented attraction would be nice.

I would also like to see the banks of Peachtree Creek reclaimed, reforrested, boardwalks & trails put in, little sections of pubs/shops/restaurants clustered along it sporadically, etc.

They are doing something sort of similar to this up in Charlotte with the Sugarcreek Greenway.

[DeaconJ]

Originally Posted by gt6974a

Orphaned

Mod removed - orphaned.

Atlanta has enough tourist attractions at the moment...the economy isn't conducive to travel and leisure at this time. What makes you think Atlanta is hurting for tourists? Stone Mountain, Six Flags, the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, CNN, MLK, Jr. National Historic Site, Atlanta History Center, Braves/Falcons/Hawks/Thrashers, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Auburn Avenue, the High Museum of Art, Zoo Atlanta, the King Center, Underground, the Fox, Centennial Olympic Park, Buckhead shopping, Fernbank, the several house museums around the city, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Oakland Cemetery...isn't that enough for now?

[KevK]

A gambling casino downtown- at or near underground would be a good thing.

[Herr_Brush]

Atlanta screams for a Gone With the Wind attraction. I don't mean something for history buffs, I mean a big, garish tourist atrocity with Tara, Twelve Oaks, Burning of Atlanta ride, Battle of Atlanta stunt show, etc.

That is what would bring the philistines to Atlanta as a destination.

[DeaconJ]

Originally Posted by Herr_Brush

Atlanta screams for a Gone With the Wind attraction. I don't mean something for history buffs, I mean a big, garish tourist atrocity with Tara, Twelve Oaks, Burning of Atlanta ride, Battle of Atlanta stunt show, etc.

That is what would bring the philistines to Atlanta as a destination.

They are already coming to Atlanta as a destination. We don't need any tacky, stereotypical attractions here, thank you.

There is a GWTW museum in suburban Jonesboro. There is the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum in Midtown. There is Margaret Mitchell's gravesite at Oakland Cemetery. I'm sure there are plenty of other GWTW sites around the city to please those who seek them.

[straightfromatown]

I think a big problem isn't the lack of attractions, but the lack of transportation methods between them- mainly MARTA. Its got a terrible reputation and people write it off as a transportation option when considering how to get around. When people visit me they are always afraid to ride marta and think they are going to get mugged or run into Soulja girl.

[scottinpdx]

Upgrading MARTA or other public transport would be great for Atlanta. Of all of the Touristy stuff I have only done the World of Coke and the Aquarium, and of course the Varsity and a Braves game if that counts. When I travel and vacation I like to stray away from the Touristy spots and blend in with the locals.

[rackensack]

I've made my case for Atlanta to have some sort of transportation museum before, so rather than repeat myself: http://www.city-data.com/forum/4788271-post50.html. Start at the second paragraph.